GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:50): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government, representing the Premier, a question about government appointments.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: In recent years, the government announced that all new executives appointed in the Public Service would be appointed on five year contracts. The minister would also be aware that the Hon. Mr Rann's former senior adviser, Mr Lance Worrall, was also recently appointed to head the new Public Service Performance Commission. My questions are:

1. Was Mr Worrall given a standard five year contract in accordance with government policy as publicly announced or was he engaged on the basis of being given permanency and the option of a fallback to another position in the Public Service should his contract either not be continued or he not be re-employed on a new contract?

2. Has the Rann government again appointed an overseas consultant by the name of Mr Geoff Tryens from Oregon to another nine month contract and, if so, what are the terms of his contract? Will South Australian taxpayers be paying any travel, meal, entertainment or accommodation expenses for Mr Tryens, and what tasks has Mr Tryens been given if he has been appointed on this nine month contract?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:51): I will refer those questions to the Premier and bring back a reply.